> But the other social networking sites were NOT competitors UNTIL Google got into the Social Networking space.

Knowing who you communicate with, what about, and how often, is very much in line with Google's business interest if you remember that they are first and foremost an advertising company.

...

As for Apple maps... it's a shame. My personal take on maps is that the Apple version is much nicer. The presentation is cleaner (especially during navigation, also Google's vector drawing is horrible for roads that meet at acute angles), it's more intuitive (especially the two finger swipe to change perspective, which is backwards on Google's app), it has more features (which may change quickly), etc...

Google, of course, still wins on one the primary function, which is the data set. That said, Apple's data set has been good enough for my needs and it has not yet let me down when navigating.

Of course, the Apple optic and usability is nicer, but Google has got the core competence. A remake is in most of the cases not better. The Google social network is optical nicer, too, but will never have as many users, as facebook. Nevertheless I am sure, that Apple will continue working on their own maps.

Well so far in my limited use, Apple's map program is better. At least, using the two for a common location sent me there correctly on main roads using Apple and got me turned around by throwing me into private roads on Google. And I prefer the layout of Apple's system.

I'll keep using both on and off for a while to see how they go, but I never seemed to have any of the big issues people complain about with Apple's app. It's always clearly sent me to the right spot.

The thing I like most is the combination of Siri and the Map App. I only had to say, where I wanted to drive to, and it worked - by only pressing one single button. I may be wrong, but I do not think, that this is possible with another smartphone.

The thing I like most is the combination of Siri and the Map App. I only had to say, where I wanted to drive to, and it worked - by only pressing one single button. I may be wrong, but I do not think, that this is possible with another smartphone.

Android has had a voice command that triggers the turn by turn directions with Google maps since v2.2 Froyo (May 2010).

It was real 21st Century moment for me when I first used this to find a theatre when we were running late for a show (walking), and I just pressed the mic icon on the phone and said "Navigate to Theatre Royal, Wakefield" and the phone got us there on time.

The thing I like most is the combination of Siri and the Map App. I only had to say, where I wanted to drive to, and it worked - by only pressing one single button. I may be wrong, but I do not think, that this is possible with another smartphone.

I think it is in fact available on any Android phone running a recent(ish) version of Android. [Drat! 4 minutes too slow compared to Graham]

Personally, I have an iPhone 4S and I am absolutely in love with the Google Maps app. It has an easy to use interface and contains two "killer apps" lacking in Apple's solution: (i) Street View; and (ii) transit information. And not a "killer app" per se, but I also trust Google's maps when it comes to having addresses and streets clearly mapped and having street directions correctly identified.

I was using a separate app for transit prior to the release of Google Maps, but I've since dumped that as Google Maps offers the same data and a better interface. I've also removed iMaps from the homescreen and relegated it to the same app ghetto I reserve for Apples Newstand app.

The thing I like most is the combination of Siri and the Map App. I only had to say, where I wanted to drive to, and it worked - by only pressing one single button. I may be wrong, but I do not think, that this is possible with another smartphone.

You are indeed wrong. Android has had voice navigation for quite some time; you simply say "navigate to <address>" and you're done.

You are indeed wrong. Android has had voice navigation for quite some time; you simply say "navigate to <address>" and you're done.

Correct... before Siri.

Quote:

And it's possible to use siri with Google maps.

Oh? Only thing that I know how to do is to launch the app with Siri. You can't say to navigate to an address and have it use Google Maps, only Apple Maps. You can use the microphone button on the keyboard for entering an address, but that's not really Siri.

Oh? Only thing that I know how to do is to launch the app with Siri. You can't say to navigate to an address and have it use Google Maps, only Apple Maps. You can use the microphone button on the keyboard for entering an address, but that's not really Siri.

Just add "via transit" to the end of your command, and pick Google maps from the list. Google's your friend.